Vol. 472 No. 7
24 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body might be reconstituted in order that it can play a more proactive role in Anglo-Irish affairs, with particular reference to Northern Ireland; and if it permits Members of both Houses of Parliament to be invited to address the body on relevant matters. [20476/96]
I am glad to have this opportunity to place again on the record of the House my appreciation of the work of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body since its inception in 1990. The body has made a valuable contribution to the promotion of understanding and co-operation within these islands. It is our intention to continue to give all appropriate assistance to the body in its work. However, the question of any reconstitution of the body, or a future expansion of the body's role, is a matter for the body itself.
With respect to the Deputy's question on invitations to address the body, I confirm that the body's rules allow for invitations to be extended by the body's steering committee to Members of both Houses of the Oireachtas and Parliament at Westminister to address the body.
